Comparative Evaluation of Egg Quality Traits in Two Exotic Chicken Breeds

Yesihak Yusuf Mummed, Ashenafi Getachew, Kefelegn Kebede and Mengistu Urge

 

Abstract

The challenge of meeting the nutritional needs of growing populations in developing countries, like in Ethiopia, underscores the importance of optimizing protein and calorie sources. Traditional animal husbandry in Ethiopia, characterized by low inputs and productivity, contributes to a deficiency in animal protein supply. Eggs, as a cost-effective and nutrient-rich protein source, hold significant potential for addressing this issue. This study was conducted with the aims to compare and contrast the egg quality traits of two exotic chicken breeds, fayoumi and koekoek, under intensive management conditions. The focus is on understanding the structural and functional aspects of eggs produced by these breeds, contributing valuable insights to the poultry sector. Egg quality traits, including albumen height, weight, egg dimensions, shell characteristics, yolk properties, and Haugh unit (HU,) were measured and statistical analyses were performed using SAS software. The results obtained revealed significant breed differences in egg quality attributes between the two breeds. Fayoumi exhibited specific characteristics such as albumen height and weight, egg length, and shell weight, while koekoek excelled in albumen weight, egg length, and yolk properties. The findings support the sustainable utilization of exotic chicken breeds for enhanced chicken production to meet consumer demands. Understanding the distinct egg quality attributes of these breeds contributes valuable knowledge for breed selection, developing synthetic breeds through crossing and management practices.

Published on: February 15, 2024
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2024-169
Citation: Mummed YY, Getachew A, Kebede K, Urge M. 2024. Comparative Evaluation of Egg Quality Traits in Two Exotic Chicken Breeds. J Food Chem Nanotechnol 10(1): 11-15.

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